National Farmers Federation (NFF) CEO Tony Mahar has resigned from his role to take on a position as the government’s new Energy Infrastructure Commissioner.
Mahar will take over from Andrew Dyer, who announced he was stepping down from the role in March.
The Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner is an independent role appointed by the Australian government and involves reporting to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen.
A statement from Bowen’s office on Sept. 23 said Mahar would springboard from his extensive experience with the NFF to “work alongside” farmers and those in rural and regional communities in promoting renewables.
“Mr. Mahar will work as an intermediary between farming and regional communities, industry and government to promote leading community engagement practices as Australia transforms its energy system to cheap, clean renewables and modernises its grid to meet growing demand for electricity from households and businesses,” he said.
“This work will include investigating optimal delivery of long-term social and economic benefits to host areas, and promoting more information and transparency to combat misinformation about the planning and operation of major energy projects including wind farms, large-scale solar farms, energy storage facilities and transmission.”
Bowen said Mahar’s previous advocacy for farmers would be of benefit in his new appointment.
“He brings a strong understanding of the priorities and needs of Australia’s regions which will inform the ongoing focus of the role on dispute resolution and engagement with local communities, most of which are in regional and rural Australia,” he said.
Meanwhile, former commissioner Dyer was first appointed National Wind Farm Commissioner in November 2015, and in March 2021, his role was expanded to address a broad range of energy infrastructure matters.
NFF Thanks Outgoing CEO
The NFF also announced the resignation of Mahar, who had been with the group since 2013, on Sept. 23.“During his tenure, Tony has strengthened NFF’s position as the leading national advocacy body for agriculture through his integrity, stakeholder management skills, and dedication to the industry,” NFF President David Jochinke said.
In his role with the NFF, Mahar has been credited with expanding the group’s advocacy capacity and broadening the group’s membership to include all state farming groups.
His efforts resulted in a small team growing to a staff of more than 40, with a broader membership base and stable financial position.
“It is a challenge to lead a national peak body, in this case bringing together all elements of our primary industries, and engaging effectively with supply chains both upstream and downstream, and I commend Tony’s professionalism, credibility, and determination in doing so,” Jochinke said.
Mahar’s role will have an initial set term of three years.
